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An Overview on Lower Body Machines
Most people go to the gym with a specific goal in mind.
For men, it’s usually to have wider shoulders, well-toned arms, and firmer chests. For women, workouts are more often aimed at slimmer thighs, firmer hips, and trimmer waists. For both sexes, firm and well-shaped abdominal muscles are always desired.
Commercial gyms have all sorts of machines that focus on specific muscle groups. A long line of fitness equipment is especially geared towards working out the lower body since everyone needs stronger legs for supporting the entire weight.
If you are planning to set up your personal fitness center at home, it helps to be knowledgeable about what sort of machines you may include there. The fact is you do not actually need to place an order for several. There are a few machines that can provide well-rounded workouts for most muscle groups to keep you in shape. Add the basic free weights and you are all set to enjoy working out in the comfort of your own home.
Lower Body Machines
There is a wide array of lower body machines in commercial gyms and some of the most popular include the leg press, leg extension/leg curl, sitting calf raise, and the squat machine. Using these can give you the legs and thighs you have always wanted. For a more extensive workout, you may alternately use leg adduction and leg abduction machines. Stationary bikes are also good for the leg muscles as well as cardio and many other parts of the body.
Leg Press Machine
The leg press machine provides the best overall leg workouts among all lower body machines. It is also safe to use. Each movement using this type of machine takes care of all your muscles in the lower body. Shifting the feet in a different angle targets a different leg muscle, resulting in well-rounded leg workouts. Leg press machines come in several types including the diagonal, sled-type, horizontal, seated, lever-seated, and 45-degree leg presses.
Calf Machines
It is easy to overlook the calves but if they get proper exercise, well-trimmed calves contribute to shapely, well-toned legs. Calf machines develop, tone, and strengthen these muscles. They may either be of the standing, seated, leverage squat, or extreme type.
Leg Curl Machines
Leg curl machines are focused on the development of the hamstrings. Also available in standing or seated models, they are very effective in strengthening your thigh muscles. These are often used by runners, bikers, and anyone involved in sports that require strong and flexible legs.
Leg Extension Machines
The leg extension machine works on the thigh muscles as well as the knees. There are some lower body machines that integrate the function of the leg extension and the leg curl machine.
Leg Adduction/Leg Abduction
The leg adduction machine was designed to sculpt the inner thighs while the leg abduction machine enables the user to do exercises concentrated on shaping the outer thighs.
For the home gym, there are also plenty of compact lower body machines which are much more lightweight than commercial-grade gym equipment. The Leg Shaper tones and tightens muscles in the legs while the Lateral Balance Stepper targets the entire lower body. Step machines and bun and thigh rollers are also worth checking out.